Avenue of the Volcanoes

The Basics

An exploration of the Avenue of the Volcanoes may include side jaunts to crater lakes, indigenous villages, and picturesque colonial towns perched atop rolling hills of the Andes. Journeying across the expanse means moving from dense forests to steep slopes and agricultural fields dotted with Inca ruins, traditional haciendas, and local markets. With each turn, the landscape changes dramatically, and adventures abound, including horseback riding, biking, and hiking.

Most tours leave from Quito and are two-day excursions, which is the minimum time needed. On the first day, hike Cotopaxi National Park up to the refuge and mountain bike your way back down. Before hunkering down at a sumptuous hacienda, journey to a beautiful lagoon at the base of the volcano. On the second day, visit the Saquisili or Pujili market before making the trek to Laguna Quilotoa, an astonishing emerald-hued crater lagoon.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Avenue of the Volcanoes is an ideal spot for nature lovers interested in hiking, horse riding, visiting local villages and markets.
• Bringxa0 appropriate clothing and gear for outdoor adventures, and warm jackets or sweaters for chilly nights.
• Look out for animals including deer, llama, Andean fox and puma, and myriad species of birds.

How to Get There

Avenue of the Volcanoes begins at the southern limit of Quito, in Cotopaxi National Park and ends in the city of Cuenca. The best way to explore the route is by train or car. With a car, you can follow Panamericana Sur from Quito. There are also local buses that connect Quito and Cuenca and make several stops along the way.

When to Get There

Avenue of Volcanoes is a destination that can be visited anytime throughout the year. Although temperatures are consistently springlike year-round, the humidity is lower between September and November. Peak season in Quito runs from June to September, which coincides with the Ecuadorian dry season.

Taking A Historic Train

For part of your journey, take the bright red 100-year-old train along one of the most scenic routes in the world. Known as the Nose of the Devil (La Nariz del Diablo), the railway is an incredible engineering feat that begins in the town of Alausí and ends in Sibambe. The thrilling adventure makes a 45-degree descent along the ledge of the Condor Puñuña mountain, sharply zigzagging through mountains, over rivers, ravines, and through cloud forests.

Where is the Avenue of Volcanoes located?

Avenue of the Volcanoes begins at the southern limit of Quito in Ecuador’s Cotopaxi National Park and ends in Cuenca. Most explore the route by train or car. With a car, follow the Pan-American Highway from Quito. There are also local buses that connect Quito and Cuenca.

What is the Avenue of Volcanoes?

A long, rocky spine running south of Quito, Avenue of the Volcanoes is a 124-mile (200-kilometer) corridor between two parallel mountain ranges. Eight of Ecuador’s 10 highest points are here, including some of the world’s tallest snow-capped mountains and active volcanoes like Cotopaxi. The landscape moves from forests to fields.

Is visiting the Avenue of Volcanoes worth it?

Yes. The Avenue of the Volcanoes is the most visited region in Ecuador's highlands and one of the country's most photographed landscapes. This is where you’ll find Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Travelers come here to hike, horseback ride, and visit villages and markets.

Can you go to the Avenue of Volcanoes on your own?

Yes. You can travel Avenue of Volcanoes by car or train, including a bright red historic train that runs along the scenic route. Known as the Devil's Nose Train (La Nariz del Diablo), the railway goes from Alausí to Sibambe. There are also guided tours from Quito with roundtrip transportation.

What is the best time of year to visit the Avenue of Volcanoes?

Peak season in Quito runs from June to September, which coincides with the Ecuadorian dry season—it’s considered the best time to visit the Avenue of Volcanoes. However, you can visit the Avenue of Volcanoes anytime. Temperatures are springlike year-round, and the humidity is lower in September and November.

How long does it take to tour the Avenue of Volcanoes?

Half-day tours of the Avenue of the Volcanoes and Cotopaxi National Park from Quito are available, but the attraction is often combined with other sites for all-day or multi-day excursions. Depending on your itinerary, you’ll need from two to six days to see all of the Avenue of Volcanoes.